AmEx Centurion Lounge – Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport

The Centurion Lounge Phoenix airport is the newest addition to the list of AmEx Centurion Lounges. Located in Terminal 4 across Gate 22, this newest addition houses not one but two different lounges. Not only did the Centurion Lounge and Escape Lounge shares the same entrance, the two lounges share a combined space of over 9,500 square feet.

The lounge is open from 5:30am to 10:00pm. Upon checking in with the front desk attendant on the terminal level, a pass is given to you, you can then use either the stairs or the elevator to the upper level where the lounge is situated.

Once you’re up at the lounge level, you’ll find the Member Services Desk where you can present your pass in order to get in. 

Who can access the Lounge?

The Centurion Lounge is accessible to the following cardholders:
The Platinum Card from American Express
The Business Platinum Card from American Express
The Centurion Card from American Express
The Delta SkyMiles Reserve Card from American Express (must be flying on Delta)

Since the lounge is located in Terminal 4 which is the biggest and the busiest terminal at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, the lounge is easily accessible to passengers flying out of this terminal. During my visit to this lounge, I had limited time and was flying on Alaska Airlines out of Terminal 3. I must say it was not one of the most convenient things to do, especially with the fact that I had to exit Terminal 4, take the air train to Terminal 3, and then clear security again.

If you’re flying out of a different terminal and would like to access this lounge, ensure you have sufficient time to return to your terminal.

If you are the primary cardholder of one of the cards listed above, you can bring in 2 additional guests. Centurion cardholders can bring in family members.

You’ll be required to present your same day boarding pass (departing flights only), and a government issued ID in addition to your credit card. Access is restricted to 3 hours before your flight, but you’ll be admitted if you have a connecting flight with more than 3 hours departure time.

The Centurion Lounge Phoenix is elegantly put together. And you’ll find different decorations and paintings in and around the lounge. “From the moment you walk in, you’ll see that things are different here”. 

The Lounge SetUp:
Behind the AmEx Green Living wall is a cozy seating area with many open seats, such as cubicle style loungers, communal table, individual pods, etc. The left side of the wall is a zone reserved for Centurion Members. This side also faces the apron, but with limited plane spotting options. This side does offer a nice view of the air-train bridge and the mountain though.

Making a right turn in front of the Green Living Wall is situated another seating area. This area has a Franke A1000 coffee machine which is in addition to the other coffee machine at the dining area. This zone offers plenty of seats with most of them having a table. There are 2 media boards displaying both departure and arrival flights. This area also has a TV with more Amex brand decorations.

Food and Drinks:
AmEx Lounge doesn’t usually disappoint when it comes to food and drinks. The lounge has a fancy bar, with varieties of options. And everywhere around the bar (the entire lounge actually) glitters. I’ll say this is simply because the lounge has just been newly opened.

You can sit back and relax as you enjoy a cocktail developed by one of the nation’s mixologists Jim Meehan, or explore wines handpicked by renowned wine authority Anthony Giglio.

The food at this lounge is also locally inspired and curated by chef Doug Robson (Chef / Owner of Gallo Blanco & Otro Café). You can savor exquisite Mexican dishes like Pollo Asado with a tamarind glaze. During my visit, there were varieties of food on offer: Cortado Salad, El Chino (soba noodles, shaved cabbage, kale, etc.), Tortilla Soup, Pollo Asada (citrus marinated with a tamarind glaze), Corn Bread, Brownies, Tres Leches (ultra-light sponge cake soaked in a sweet milk mixture), Roasted Cauliflower, Paella Rice (saffron, sofrito, & vegetables), and much more.

Related:
The Centurion Lounge San Francisco Airport (SFO)

There are several chairs and tables at the buffet area. There are also 2 long high-top communal tables joined together. And if you’re an aviation geek, the bar / dining area provides better plane spotting.

There are several power outlets and USB charging ports in and around the lounge.

Other Amenities at the Lounge:
The lounge restrooms were sparkling clean during my visit. And like every other AmEx Lounge, you’ll find Verveine’s (L’Occitane) products in the restroom. The lounge also has a shower suite which I wasn’t able to access due to time restrictions.

My Take on The Lounge:
This newest addition to the list of AmEx Lounges provides a nice place to have some peaceful and quality time before a flight. Though I see the lounge being more beneficial to those departing from Terminal 4. Although passengers from other terminals can still access the lounge, but make sure you have plenty of time to return to your terminal as you will be required to exit and clear security again.

Due to the size of this lounge, I think it would only take a little while before the lounge starts getting overcrowded. But I must say the idea of having both the Centurion Lounge and the Escape Lounge in the same place is a thoughtful idea.